Although there are as many different kinds of bodywork as there are cold remedies on the drug store shelf, some basic information on receiving bodywork in general can be helpful. Since most of us grew up with the "sickness" model of healthcare—-we only visited the doctor when we were sick and therefore under stress and not feeling up to our fullest capacity—our experience in caring for our health has been a dis-empowering and mystifying one.

While most people wait until they develop a specific physical problem before seeking relief through hands-on holistic care, receiving regular bodywork is a marvelous preventative healthcare measure. In addition to relieving stress and realigning muscles, tissues, bones and energy channels-throughout the body, bodywork automatically puts you In a position of self-empowerment through greater self awareness. The more you know about how your body feels and responds, the better position you are in to help it heal.

The goal in most forms of holistic bodywork is to reconnect an individual to their innate healing capacities. This can be accomplished in several ways. Systems such as Reiki and Polarity work with the body's subtle energy flows. Muscle Therapy and Shiatsu use more direct bodily contact. Quite often, bodywork sessions involve a combination of both subtle energy and direct physical manipulation as a client becomes more familiar with how the two are intimately connected. Whether you are addressing physical, emotional or spiritual well-being, a client and practitioner will work together on healing and bringing an individual back to whole- ness again. The practitioner does not do the healing, the client does.

Conscious breathing is perhaps the most important aspect of this work. Becoming aware of your breathing rhythm helps to heighten your overall sensitivity to the body's subtle messages. The breath also acts as a mechanism to release energy blockages and assists the individual in moving through any discomfort which may be experienced as painful points are triggered. Keep noticing how you are holding your breath when pain arises during the session and make a conscious effort to keep breathing. This is the first step in letting go.

Sometimes, you might experience intense emotions which accompany these trigger points. You may feel vulnerable or scared or fearful or angry. You might suddenly find yourself laughing or crying. These emotions are natural and OK to experience during your session and it is up to you to provide direction for how the session should proceed. If you want to stop, just say so. If you want to go slower or deeper, communicate that too. Your body knows what it needs for healing at every moment and is your most trustworthy guide. Although a therapist may be very skilled in their particular practice, ultimately you are the director of your own healing and in control of the session at all times. If a practitioner is reluctant to allow you to guide the pace of the work or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, it's time to find a new practitioner. Seek out a therapist who not only has the necessary skill and experience, but is also sensitive to your particular forms of expression. You might find several that you like to work with at different times, or you may form a special bond with one.

If you are new to the bodywork field, give yourself the time and space to gently explore this new experience at your own pace. Allow yourself to relax as much as possible during each session. There is no pressure to perform or do or be anything. With a true healing practitioner, you will be able to fully sink into the warmth of unconditional acceptance from the moment you enter the room, and particularly as you move deeper into the work. This time is fully set aside for you—the "you" that answers to no "shoulds" or expectations, the "you" that is learning to heal. Bodywork is an invaluable tool in opening to the greater personal and spiritual awareness which is fast becoming the hallmark of our time.

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Carol Bedrosian is the Publisher and Editor of Spirit of Change Magazine which is located in Grafton, MA. To contact Carol call 508-839-2228 or fax 508-839-1173.